A positive outlook for SPS IPC Drives 2020

The exhibition area and confirmed number of exhibitors to date are only slightly down on the same period last year despite the corona pandemic. This underlines the exhibition’s importance for the industry.

“The importance of exhibitions to the economy is akin to that of automation for industry - one of the most important drivers. SPS is a fixed date on the calendars of automation companies and we are all very much looking forward to meeting up in Nuremberg in person at the end of the year,” said Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS of Mesago Messe Frankfurt.

Christian Wolf, Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board and Managing Director of Hans Turck GmbH & Co. added: "Digital communication has been determining our activities for months. This is an ideal instrument, especially in times when many of our customers are also working from home. Despite the many possibilities that this opens up for us, there is one point that is compromised: the direct exchange with the customer.

"These direct discussions are very important to us. They help us to establish or deepen long-standing relationships with each other and to position ourselves as a global partner in order to develop optimal solutions for the digital transformation and challenges of our customers. In my opinion, a personal conversation at a trade fair such as the SPS is therefore irreplaceable in order to achieve the optimal business result for the customer and Turck. I am confident that with the now approved safety concept, we can look forward to a trade fair highlight in November. This will be different from previous trade fairs, but will bring the entire industry one step further."

Member of the Exhibitors’ Advisory Board Roland Bent, Chief Technical Officer at Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG underlined: “In recent months, we have all learnt to switch our communications to digital media. Information and facts can now be communicated in a very focused and structured way. This makes digital communication very efficient, but always selective and point by point. What we are increasingly lacking these days, however, are impressions and inspiration through experiencing new concepts and is the constructive and trusting dialogue in a personal conversation.

"This is where the strength and benefit of trade fairs lie. Especially in these times of major transformations in our industry and society, these important aspects that promote creativity and innovation are decisive for competitiveness and viability in the future. We are therefore looking forward to the SPS 2020, even if it will be taking place under difficult circumstances, but with a concept that puts the health of visitors and exhibitors first.”

Member of the Exhibitors’ Advisory Board Gerhard Borho, Board Member Finance/Information Management and Technology, Festo SE & Co. KG confirmed: “SPS is a central exhibition for Festo and gives us an opportunity to showcase our cross-technology innovations: we offer everything from a single source from machine axis mechanisms, electronics, and digitalisation through artificial intelligence.

"In product development for electrical automation, we have echoed the approach of our core business pneumatics, and focused on seamless connectivity from the workpiece to the cloud. We are excited to be able to present our latest products to the visitors at SPS 2020.”

Varied package of health protection measures

For the event organizer Mesago, the well-being of all attendees of SPS 2020 is paramount. Together with NürnbergMesse, it has therefore developed a concept covering all the necessary organisational, hygiene, and medical aspects. “The health and safety of all exhibitors, visitors, service partners, and employees is our top priority,” explained SchulzMetzner.

The entire exhibition has been organised to accommodate observance of the minimum social distancing requirement of 1.5m at all times. In addition, a mandatory face covering requirement has been introduced for anyone inside the building plus amendments to the catering concept and the provision of sufficient space in the hall entrances and waiting areas. There will be no ticket sales on site, visitors must register in advance via the ticket shop.

Digital offering

In addition to the physical event, the SPS 2020 will also be online, allowing visitors who are not yet able to travel or who can only be on site for one day to also take part. There will be digital product presentations, for example, as well as the option of contacting representatives to facilitate a responsive, in-depth dialog between exhibitors and visitors within the digital environment.

Digital matchmaking, for example, offers a range of options, including a search function and the opportunity to communicate with exhibitors. It also includes the live and on-demand transmission of a large number of individual supporting events.

Up to date information

The organiser regularly publishes updates on the exhibition and the onsite corona measures on the event website. It also provides more details about visiting the event.